Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Recipe Introduction
- Panda Express Orange Chicken: Spot-On Copycat Magic
- Ingredients & Equipment for Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Panda Express Orange Chicken: A Spot-On Copycat Recipe for Home Cooks
- Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapon for Copycat Orange Chicken Bliss
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of Chinese Takeout Recipes tonight? Ever wondered if you could nail that Orange Chicken Recipe Copycat from Panda Express without leaving your house? Honestly, with this recipe, you can! Prepare your Wok Recipes for your next delicious Asian Inspired Recipes .
Brief Overview
This recipe delivers that classic Panda Express flavor to your kitchen. It's a Fakeaway Recipes dream come true! Recreating beloved Restaurant Copycat Recipes is easy, and this one is a medium difficulty recipe that takes around 45 minutes from start to finish.
It yields approximately 4 servings.
Main Benefits
Let's be real: skipping the takeout queue is a massive win. Besides, you control the ingredients, making it a slightly healthier, Homemade Chinese Food option.
It's the perfect dish for a Friday night in or a casual get-together.
Panda Express Orange Chicken: Spot-On Copycat Magic
So, you're after that sweet, tangy, crispy Panda Express goodness, eh? You're in luck! This recipe recreates their famous orange chicken.
It brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen. Plus, you'll save a few quid and avoid the queues.
This recipe is your new best friend. It is a medium level recipe. It requires a bit of frying, but nothing too scary.
You'll have a cracking Copycat Panda Express Beijing Beef meal in under an hour.
This Orange Chicken Recipe Copycat serves about 4 people. It's perfect with some steamed rice and spring rolls for the ultimate Fakeaway Recipes experience.
Let's get cooking! Get ready to add another recipe to your Panda Express Recipes Index (Copycat) repertoire. These Copykat Recipes are just too good.
Ingredients & Equipment for Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken
Right then, fancy making some proper Orange Chicken Recipe Copycat , Panda Express style? It all starts with getting your ingredients sorted. This is no ordinary Chinese Takeout Recipes attempt!
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 lb (454g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Quality is key here.
- Marinade: 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) rice wine vinegar, 1 tsp (5ml) ginger, ½ tsp (2.5ml) garlic powder, ¼ tsp (1.25ml) white pepper. This is where the flavor party starts, honestly.
- Coating: ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour, ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch, ½ tsp (2.5ml) baking powder, ¼ tsp (1.25ml) salt. The secret to crispy Homemade Chinese Food .
- Sauce: ½ cup (120ml) orange juice, ¼ cup (60ml) rice wine vinegar, ¼ cup (50g) sugar, 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) water, 1 tbsp (15ml) cornstarch, 1 tsp (5ml) orange zest, ½ tsp (2.5ml) red pepper flakes, 1 tsp (5ml) sesame oil, 1 clove garlic, ½ inch (1.25cm) ginger. Seriously, don't skimp on the orange zest!
When picking out your chicken, make sure it's nice and fresh, not all pale and sad-looking. Plump, pink chicken thighs are what you want for the best flavor and juiciness in our Copykat Recipes .
Seasoning Notes
This is where your inner chef gets to shine.
Spice Up Your Life: A proper dose of red pepper flakes is essential. The ginger and garlic bring warmth. The rice wine vinegar provides that essential tang.
Flavor Boosters: Sesame oil is vital to our recipe, but you may be able to use peanut oil too!
Need a Sub? If you don't have rice wine vinegar, white wine vinegar works okay in a pinch. However, it is better to have the proper ingredients when following Restaurant Copycat Recipes .
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
- Large bowl: For marinating, of course.
- Shallow dish: For coating the chicken.
- Wok or deep pot: A must for that perfect Wok Recipes experience.
- Slotted spoon: For rescuing your golden Fakeaway Recipes chicken.
- Paper towels: To drain the excess oil. No one wants soggy chicken.
- Small saucepan: To simmer that Panda Express Recipes index worthy sauce.
Don't have a wok? A deep pot will do the trick. You just might need to adjust your frying time.
A pair of tongs can also work in place of a slotted spoon if that's what you have. We can make anything if we are willing enough.
Enjoy your new Asian Inspired Recipes !
Panda Express Orange Chicken: A Spot-On Copycat Recipe for Home Cooks
Fancy a cheeky bit of Orange Chicken ? Can't be bothered with the queues? This recipe brings that iconic sweet and tangy flavour right to your kitchen.
Honestly, it's easier than you think! We’ve recreated that signature orange glaze. Blimey, it's good! This Orange Chicken Recipe Copycat is perfect for a fakeaway night in.
Prep Like a Pro!
Alright, before we get started, let's get our mise en place sorted. First, chop 1 lb (454g) of chicken thighs.
Next, measure out all the other ingredients. Seriously, this saves a load of time. Finally, remember to wash your hands.
Safety first, always! It is essential to proper Panda Express Recipes .
step-by-step to Chinese Takeout Heaven
- Marinate: Mix the chicken with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper. Leave it for at least 15 minutes .
- Coat: Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a dish.
- Heat: Get your oil nice and hot. Heat oil in a wok to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Fry: Dredge the chicken in the flour mix and fry until golden. Don't overcrowd the pan!.
- Drain: Take the chicken out and let it drain on some paper towels.
- Sauce: Whisk orange juice, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Make a cornstarch slurry with water.
- Cook Sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger. Then, add the orange juice mix and slurry. Cook until it's thick. Stir in orange zest and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Toss the chicken in the sauce. Serve with rice!
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Fakeaway
Double fry the chicken. It makes it extra crispy. Fry at 325° F ( 160° C) for 5 minutes, then 350° F ( 175° C) until golden.
A common mistake is not getting the oil hot enough. Also, taste the sauce and adjust. This Copykat Recipes will be loved for sure! This is the perfect Homemade Chinese Food , and great Asian Inspired Recipes .
Panda Express Recipes Index (Copycat) will guide you to more recipes like this. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapon for Copycat Orange Chicken Bliss
Right then, you've got the Orange Chicken Recipe Copycat nailed, yeah? But listen, before you start chucking ingredients about like a contestant on Bake Off, let's have a chinwag about a few extra bits and bobs to make your Homemade Chinese Food experience top-notch.
This isn't just about following instructions, it's about making it your Asian Inspired Recipes , your ultimate Panda Express Recipes.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Let's be honest, presentation matters, doesn’t it? A pile of Copycat Panda Express Beijing Beef , while delicious, doesn’t scream “restaurant quality.
” Think about plating it up nicely. A bed of fluffy rice, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, maybe a few chopped spring onions it makes all the difference, honestly.
For sides, how about some steamed broccoli or even some crunchy spring rolls? And to drink? A nice cold glass of lemonade or even a cheeky beer would go down a treat with this Fakeaway Recipes delight!
Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh
So, you've cooked enough Panda Express Recipes to feed a small army (we've all been there, haven't we?). What to do with the leftovers? Don't you worry, I've got you covered.
Fridge Life: Pop any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container and it’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing Fun: Freezing it is an option too. Let it cool completely before popping it in a freezer safe container. It'll be good for up to 2 months .
When you're ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating 101: To reheat, whack it in the microwave or, for a crispier finish, try reheating it in a pan or Wok Recipes with a splash of oil.
Just be mindful it might not be quite as crispy as the first time.
Mix it Up: Variations on a Theme
Honestly, one of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own . Fancy a bit of Spicy Orange Chicken ? Chuck in some extra red pepper flakes.
Watching your waistline? Try using a sugar alternative in the sauce. No oranges in the fruit bowl? Don't fret. Lemon juice and zest will give you a cracking lemon chicken instead.
Nutrition Nuggets: Quick and Easy
Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly health food, is it? But it's good for the soul, and a little of what you fancy does you good.
Each serving is roughly 450 calories . You're getting a good dose of protein (about 30g ), and hey, there's some vitamin C from the orange juice.
Plus, this Chinese Takeout Recipes is cheaper and more satisfying than ordering in!
So there you have it! All the little extras to make your Restaurant Copycat Recipes truly exceptional. Now go on, get cooking and enjoy your Copykat Recipes culinary masterpiece! And remember, have fun with it, yeah?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) ahead of time? I'm a bit of a busy bee!
While the Orange Chicken is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prep some components in advance. The orange sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. You can also marinate the chicken ahead of time. When you're ready to eat, just fry the chicken and toss it with the pre-made sauce.
Remember, day-old fried chicken won't be as crispy as fresh, so consider baking it briefly to re-crisp it or double frying.
My sauce isn't thickening up, what am I doing wrong? I'm proper cheesed off!
A sauce that won't thicken is a common kitchen woe, isn't it? Ensure your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) is thoroughly mixed and doesn't have any lumps. Also, make sure you're adding the slurry to the sauce after it's come to a simmer. The heat is needed to activate the cornstarch.
If it still doesn't thicken, you can mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it gradually, but be careful not to add too much or it will become gloopy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Panda Express Recipes Index (Copycat)? I'm a veggie!
Absolutely! Tofu works brilliantly as a vegetarian substitute for the chicken. Use firm or extra firm tofu, press it to remove excess water, and cut it into bite sized cubes. You can then marinate and coat the tofu just like you would the chicken, and deep fry or pan-fry it until golden brown.
Just be careful while frying, as the tofu is more delicate and can crumble easily.
How do I store leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken and reheat it without it going soggy? I don't want to chuck it!
To store leftover Orange Chicken, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 2-3 days. Reheating can be tricky, as it tends to get soggy.
For best results, reheat in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps to re-crisp the chicken. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the orange sauce in this copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe?
Definitely! One of the joys of cooking at home is customizing the recipe to your liking. For a sweeter sauce, add a bit more sugar (brown sugar works great too for a richer flavor).
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce, like Sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Taste as you go and adjust until it's just right for your palate you're the boss, Gov'nor!
What's the best oil to use for frying the chicken in this Panda Express Recipes Index (Copycat) recipe? I'm not sure which one to pick!
For deep frying, you'll want an oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices. These oils can withstand the high temperatures required for frying without imparting unwanted flavors to the chicken.
Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they have lower smoke points and can burn easily. Always make sure to follow proper safety measures when frying with hot oil!
Panda Express Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
